Xabi Alonso Breaks Silence on Real Madrid Exit: 'Did My Best'

• Xabi Alonso thanked Real Madrid, players, and fans in his first statement after being relieved of his duties as head coach.
• He expressed leaving with 'respect, gratitude and pride' for giving his best, despite the professional stage not going as desired.
• Alonso's exit was by mutual consent, less than eight months into his tenure, following a Spanish Super Cup final defeat to Barcelona.
• Former defender Álvaro Arbeloa has been named as his replacement, promoted from Castilla, with his first game being a Copa del Rey tie.
• Arbeloa, a former teammate of Alonso, made 238 appearances for Real Madrid and won multiple titles, including two Champions Leagues.

Why It Matters: Xabi Alonso reflects on his Real Madrid exit with gratitude, while Álvaro Arbeloa steps in as new coach.